Mohamad Baydoun.

DEARBORN — Resident Mohamad Ali Beydoun will represent 45,000 union workers as the new national negotiator for the United Auto Workers (UAW) at Ford Motor Company.

Early this month, he was elected National Negotiator Sub Council #3 (Skilled Trades) for the UAW-Ford 2015 Collective Bargaining Agreement. 

“It was an election from our sub council, which was held in Chicago the week of September 8,” Beydoun said. “I can honestly say it was a very proud moment when the results were announced.” 

Historically, Arab Americans have not been represented enough in union leadership positions. 

“The vast majority of Arab Americans are hardworking and dedicated, which are the pillars of organized labor,” Beydoun said. “This is going to be an experience that I will never forget and hopefully it will open opportunities in the future.”

He will hold the position for the upcoming 2015 contract talks between the UAW and Ford Motor Company. 

Beydoun, called “Mike” by his co-workers, has worked for Ford since 1993. He was hired into production on the assembly line, where he worked for five years. He then entered the Skilled Trades Apprenticeship Program and graduated as a journeyman millwright. 

From 2002 to 2007, he was a journeyman millwright in the Final Assembly area at the Wayne Assembly Plant. He was then elected UAW Skilled Trades Representative for Wayne Assembly/Michigan Assembly Plant. He held this position for seven years, going on three full terms.

“My goal is to gain the knowledge and experience of negotiating a national agreement, while building strong relationships with my fellow union members and the company representatives,” Beydoun said. 

He said the UAW has always negotiated the best possible agreement for its members.

Unions are going through a tough time around the country and losing membership. Speaking in response to the belief many share that unions will not be as strong in the future, Beydoun said unions are actually regaining members. 

 “People are starting to again realize the benefits and importance of organized labor,” he said. Unions are the backbone of the middle class in this country. I strongly believe in the right to collective bargaining. It levels the playing field.” 

Beydoun said everyone benefits from good paying jobs and that businesses all over depend on the middle class. 

“I am very eager to work with the International Union and fellow negotiators in regards to being able to sit at the table with the company,” he said. 

Beydoun was born in Beirut. His father, Ali, migrated to the United States in early 1974 and was hired by Ford Motor Company. He and his wife, Samar, have three children, Hassan 16, Leila 13 and Belal, 10.

His advice to young Arab Americans is that hard work and dedication at the end of the day will always pay off. 

“Stay true to who you are and stand up for what you believe in,” he said. “People will respect you more and that will make you very successful.”